ROCHESTER, NY — The aviation community and residents of Churchville are mourning the tragic loss of Thomas Stewart, an 80-year-old veteran pilot, skilled mechanic, and local business owner, who was killed in a single-engine plane crash near Maplewood Park in Rochester on August 1, 2025.
According to the Rochester Police Department, the small aircraft went down near Bridge View Drive at approximately 1:30 p.m. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where Stewart was sadly pronounced dead. A second passenger was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary Findings: Possible Engine Failure
Initial investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) suggest that engine failure may have played a significant role in the crash. A spokesperson for the agency stated that preliminary evidence indicates a mechanical malfunction that caused the plane to lose power before it crashed into trees adjacent to the roadway.
The aircraft, now removed from the site, will undergo further inspection and analysis as investigators work to confirm the cause of the failure. The crash has shocked both aviation experts and locals, as Stewart was a highly experienced pilot known for his meticulous attention to maintenance and flight safety.
Who Was Thomas Stewart?
Thomas “Tom” Stewart was not just a pilot — he was a lifelong enthusiast of all things mechanical. A Churchville native, Stewart served honorably in the United States Air Force, where he developed and refined the aviation skills that would define the rest of his life. His love of flying never waned, and he continued to fly recreationally for decades.
He was a proud member of the exclusive pilot fraternity known as the Quiet Birdmen, a testament to his deep ties within the aviation world. Stewart also owned multiple aircraft and maintained a private airstrip on his farm in Churchville, which became a gathering place for friends and fellow pilots.
But Stewart’s passion wasn’t limited to the skies. He was also a well-known name in the world of classic automobiles, operating his antique car restoration business, Flathead Sales & Service, with precision and pride. Known for his talent and unshakable patience, Tom could bring even the rustiest relics of the past roaring back to life.
“Tom was motivated by a strong passion for all mechanical things,” his obituary reads. “He had the ability to repair anything that had a motor.”
A Life of Quiet Impact
To those who knew him, Tom Stewart was more than a skilled pilot or master mechanic — he was a kind, dependable, and deeply thoughtful man. He inspired respect not only through his work but through his character. He was known for his humility, generous spirit, and quiet strength.
His younger brother, Jack Stewart, took to Facebook to share a heartfelt tribute:
“I can only say he was always my quiet hero. I love him dearly. Rest in peace, Tom.”
Despite his advanced age, Tom remained remarkably active and was admired for his energy and dedication. His tragic passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the tight-knit community that grew around his passion for flight and engines.
Remembering and Honoring His Life
Thomas Stewart is survived by two siblings as well as numerous extended family members and friends who cherished him. A celebration of life is being planned for later this fall at the private airstrip on his Churchville property — a fitting tribute in the place where he felt most at home.
Those who knew Tom say they will remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived: with quiet purpose, boundless curiosity, and a fearless love for the sky.
As investigations continue into the crash that took his life, one thing remains certain — Thomas Stewart died doing what he loved most, and his legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched both on the ground and in the air.
Rest in peace, Tom. Your journey continues beyond the clouds.
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